Date: May 26, 2009
Location: Steel Bridge and NE Lloyd Boulevard, Portland, OR
Type: Bike Accident
Outcome: 1 Minor Injury
Names: Unknown
A Portland woman was injured last week in a hit-and-run bike-on-bike collision. According to BTA Board Member Mary Roberts, the woman was riding her bicycle eastward up to the bike/ped trail junction at NE Lloyd Blvd when a southbound cyclist rounded the corner wide and collided with her. The woman then fell from her bike and was unable to get up; the other cyclist, seemingly unharmed, biked away from the scene without stopping.
The collision left the woman with a broken bone in her leg that required hospitalization and surgery. At this point, it may be months before she is able to ride her bicycle again.
We wish the very best for the injured biker and pray that she makes a full and speedy recovery. To be biking one day and in a hospital bed the next must be a truly traumatic experience. Our hearts go out to her and her family.
As fellow members of the Portland biking community, we at Shulman DuBois are deeply disturbed by the apparent lack of human empathy on the part of the second bicyclist. We believe that Portland should be a safe place to ride your bike — and that includes looking out for one another.
This kind of collision also raises questions about the overall safety of Portland roadways for bikes and bikers. According to Roberts, the intersection where the collision took place is “treacherous” and “poorly designed for the level of use it gets.” In this case, the injured victim may want to consider consulting a personal injury attorney with experience in bicycle accidents about her options in this case — and to do so soon.
While the normal time limit for filing an Oregon injury lawsuit is 2 years, if the victim decides to sue the City of Portland or Multnomah County for creating what appears to be a dangerous bike intersection, she has to file a tort claim notice within 180 days of the incident. This time limit is strict. Failure to meet it would mean she loses all rights to hold the City or County responsible for creating a dangerous situation.
Date: April 28, 2009
Locatiion: Hawthorne Bridge
Type: Bicycle Collision
Names: Erica Rothman
Bicycle commuters represent 20% of all vehicular traffic during summer months, across Portland’s Hawthorne Bridge. This according to the Bicycle Traffic Alliance. Generally speaking automobiles are the greatest risk to bicyclists. However at about 5:15 on April 29th, a fellow bicyclist was the cause of a potentially fatal accident. The bicyclist, crossing eastbound on the Hawthorne Bridge, accidentally bumped Erica Rothman traveling curbside, also riding eastbound. The rider who made contact unnecessarily squeezed between the victim and a rail-side bicyclist. Upon being nudged, the woman lost control and crashed down onto the steel grid. An automobile driver approaching in the adjacent lane stopped just short of the ailing woman. The details of the accident were reported by an eye witness, also riding across the bridge.
The victim received aid from witnesses, including the rider who accidentally caused the crash. According to the same eye witness, the woman suffered various injuries. A call was placed to 911. She received 17 stitches over various places on her face, received two elbow stables, and suffered lots of scrapes, bruises and swelling. This according to the victim herself.
We at Shulman DuBois LLC hope the injured woman makes a full and speedy recovery. In this incident she is fortunate to ride another day.
Portland Mayor Sam Adams was quoted as saying: “Given the congestion of the Hawthorne Bridge, we want to stress the importance of cyclists slowing down and all users being considerate and courteous.” Automobiles, bicyclists and pedestrians share the Hawthorne Bridge. The controversy concerning Hawthorne Bridge congestion is widely publicized as a result of this occurrence.
Shulman DuBois LLC represents victims with injuries resulting from accidents. Our clients deserve representation with our experience, sensitivity and tenacity. Should an unfortunate episode find you or someone you know in need of representation as a result of an accident related injury, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get educated by reading our Frequently Asked Questions, exploring our Library, or ordering your free copy of 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.
